Brassiere and garment accessory

ABSTRACT

A brassiere and garment system includes a garment having a tubular body portion with an upper edge, wherein a rear portion of the upper edge downwardly drapes between first and second sides of the tubular body portion. First and second fasteners each include an anchor portion defining a mounting aperture and a coupling portion defining a receiving aperture disposed above the mounting aperture. The brassiere includes first and second support straps having free ends that are configured to be received through the receiving apertures of the first and second fasteners, respectively, such that the garment is suspended from the adjustable first and second straps of the brassiere in use.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to brassiere and garmentaccessory, and more specifically, to a garment accessory that can besuspended from adjustable straps of the brassiere.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a garment systemincluding a bra and garment configured to couple to the bra. The braincludes first and second breast cups that are laterally spaced-apartand include respective upper edges. First and second attachment clipsare disposed on the upper edges of the first and second breast cups,respectively, and each include a receiving aperture disposedtherethrough. A body strap is operably coupled to the first and secondbreast cups along a front portion of the body strap. The body strapfurther includes a rear portion configured to extend around a back of awearer. First and second support straps are respectively attached at oneend to the rear portion of the body strap, and each include a free endhaving a first coupling feature and a body portion having a secondcoupling feature that is a reciprocal coupling feature to the firstcoupling feature. The free ends of the first and second support strapsare received through the receiving apertures of the first and secondattachment clips, respectively, such that the free ends of the first andsecond support straps can be folded back against themselves. In thisway, the first and second coupling features of the first and secondsupport straps can be aligned and releasably couple to one another. Thegarment includes a tubular body portion having an upper edge extendingaround the tubular body portion. First and second fasteners arelaterally spaced-apart from one another and each include an anchorportion operably coupled proximate to the upper edge of the tubular bodyportion. The first and second fasteners each include a coupling portionextending upwardly from the anchor portion to define upwardly accessiblefirst and second receiving apertures, respectively. The first and secondsupport straps are received through the first and second receivingapertures, respectively, to releasably couple the garment to the bra.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a garmentincludes a front panel and a rear panel operably coupled to one anotherand cooperating to define a tubular body portion with an upper edge. Theupper edge includes front and rear portions. The rear portion of theupper edge is disposed along the rear panel and downwardly drapesbetween the first and second sides of the tubular body portion. Afastener includes an anchor portion defining a mounting aperture and acoupling portion defining a receiving aperture disposed above themounting aperture. A material tab includes first and second ends and abody portion disposed therebetween. The first end of the material tab isoperably coupled to the tubular body portion proximate the front portionof the upper edge of the tubular body portion. The second end of thematerial tab is coupled to either the tubular body portion proximate thefront portion of the upper edge of the tubular body portion, or the bodyportion of the material tab itself. The body portion of the material tabis received through the mounting aperture of the fastener.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a garmentincludes a tubular body portion having front, rear and opposed sideportions and an upper edge extending circumferentially around thetubular body portion. The upper edge includes front and rear portions.First and second fasteners each include an anchor portion operablycoupled proximate to the front portion of the upper edge of the tubularbody portion at laterally spaced-apart first and second attachmentlocations, respectively. The first and second fasteners further includecoupling portions extending upwardly from the respective anchor portionsto define upwardly accessible receiving apertures disposed through therespective coupling portions. The rear portion of the upper edge of thetubular body portion is disposed in a U-shaped configuration between thelaterally spaced-apart first and second attachment locations of thefirst and second fasteners.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentdisclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilledin the art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a bottom perspective view of a brassiere exploded away from agarment accessory;

FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the brassiere and garmentaccessory of FIG. 1A, with the garment accessory coupled to adjustablestraps of the brassiere;

FIG. 1C is a bottom perspective view of the brassiere of FIG. 1A andanother garment accessory exploded away therefrom;

FIG. 2A is a bottom perspective zoomed-in front view of a fastener ofthe garment accessory of FIG. 1A taken at location IIA in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a rear view of the fastener and garment accessory of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a front view of the fastener and garment accessory of FIG. 2Awith a free end of a support strap of a brassiere received through thefastener;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the brassiere and garment accessoryof FIG. 1B;

FIG. 4 is a first side elevation view of the brassiere and garmentaccessory of FIG. 1B;

FIG. 5 is a second side elevation view of the brassiere and garmentaccessory of FIG. 1B; and

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the brassiere and garment accessoryof FIG. 1B.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1A. Unlessstated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of theelement closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer tothe surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, itis to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not,without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, the reference numeral 10 generally indicates abrassiere as used with, and as part of, the present concept. Thebrassiere 10 may be referred to herein as a bra or sports bra. The bra10 includes first and second breast cups 12, 14 that are laterallyspaced-apart from one another on a front portion of the bra 10. Each ofthe breast cups 12, 14 include respective upper edges 16, 18 andrespective lower edges 17, 19. In use, the first and second breast cups12, 14 are configured to cup and support the breast of a wearer of thebra 10. The first and second breast cups 12, 14 may be comprised of aflexibly resilient or cushioning material to provide a more comfortableand supportive fit.

As further shown in FIG. 1A, first and second attachment clips 20, 22are disposed on the upper edges 16, 18 of the first and second breastcups 12, 14, respectively. The first and second attachment clips 20, 22are laterally spaced-apart and each include a receiving aperture 24, 26,respectively. The receiving apertures 24, 26 are disposed through thefirst and second attachment clips 20, 22 and are upwardly accessible.

As further shown in FIG. 1A, the bra 10 includes a body strap 30operably coupled to the first and second breast cups 12, 14 along thelower edges 17, 19 thereof. Specifically, the body strap 30 includes afront portion 32 and a rear portion 34 (FIG. 3), wherein the frontportion 32 is configured to wrap around the front of the wearer, and therear portion 34 is configured to extend around the back of a wearer atthe torso level. The body strap 30 is contemplated to be an adjustablestrap, as further described below.

As further shown in FIG. 1A, the bra 10 includes first and secondsupport straps 40, 42 which, as shown in FIG. 1A, are contemplated to beadjustable shoulder straps configured to support the bra 10 over theshoulders of a wearer. As shown in FIG. 1A, the first and second supportstraps 40, 42 each include a respective free end 48, 50 and a respectivefirst end 52, 54 (FIG. 3) with respective body portions 44, 46positioned therebetween. The body portions 44, 46 each include first andsecond sides 44A, 44B and 46A, 46B, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, the free ends 48, 50 of the first and secondsupport straps 40, 42 each include a first coupling feature 56. Asfurther shown in FIG. 1B, the body portions 44, 46 of the first andsecond support straps 40, 42 each include a second coupling feature 58that is contemplated to be a reciprocal coupling feature to the firstcoupling feature 56. In this way, the first and second coupling features56, 58 of the first and second support straps 40, 42 can be releasablycoupled to one another. It is contemplated that a hook and loopfastening system may be used for the first and second coupling features56, 58, or other like coupling system. Thus, in use, the free ends 48,50 of the first and second support straps 40, 42 are contemplated to bereceived through the respective receiving apertures 24, 26 of the firstand second attachment clips 20, 22, such that the free ends 48, 50 ofthe first and second support straps 40, 42 can be folded back againstthemselves to align with select portions of the respective body portions44, 46. In this way, the first and second coupling features 56, 58 ofthe first and second support straps 40, 42 are aligned and can bereleasably coupled to one another, as shown in FIG. 1B. It is furthercontemplated that the entire first sides 44A, 46A, may be comprised of amaterial suitable as the second coupling feature 58. Thus, the bodyportions 44, 46 of the first and second support straps 40, 42 may becomprised of a fabric that includes a coupling feature, such as loopcoupling feature, that is reciprocal to the first coupling feature 56.Further, the first and second support straps 40, 42 may be configured insuch a way that the first and second coupling features 56, 58 aredisposed on the second sides 44B, 46B of the body portions 44, 46,respectively. In such a configuration, the free ends 48, 50 of the firstand second support straps 40, 42 can be folded under the body portions44, 46 to align the first and second coupling features 56, 58 with oneanother. In such a configuration, the second sides 44B, 46B of therespective body portions 44, 46 may be comprised entirely of areciprocal coupling feature material, or include a select section inwhich the second coupling feature 58 is disposed. It is furthercontemplated that the first and second sides 44A, 44B and 46A, 46B ofthe first and second support straps 40, 42 can be substantially coveredby the respective second coupling features 58. The terms “substantial,”“substantially,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended tonote that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a valueor description. For example, a first article that “substantially covers”a second article is intended to denote an article that completely coversor approximately covers the second article. Moreover, “substantially” isintended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. Insome embodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% ofeach other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% ofeach other. As further shown in FIG. 1B, the front panel 82 of thegarment 80 substantially covers the first and second breast cups 12, 14of the bra 10, thereby conceal, or substantially concealing the firstand second breast cups 12, 14.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the body strap 30 is illustrated as anadjustable strap having a first end 36 and an elongate second end 38.The first end 36 and the elongate second end 38 of the body strap 30makeup the rear portion 34 of the body strap 30. The first end 36 isshown in FIG. 3 as being received through a first receiving aperture 62of an attachment clip 60. It is contemplated that the first end 36 isfixedly coupled to the attachment clip 60 at the first receivingaperture 62 thereof. The elongate second end 38 of the body strap 30 isa free end and is illustrated in FIG. 3 as being releasably receivedthrough a second receiving aperture 64 of the attachment clip 60. Inthis way, the elongate second end 38 of the body strap 30 can fold overonto the body strap 30 to align and releasably couple correspondingcoupling features 66, 68 respectively disposed on a distal portion ofthe elongate second end 38 and the rear portion 34 of the body strap 30,respectively. Again, a hook and loop style fastening system may be usedfor the corresponding coupling features 66, 68 of the body strap 30which are contemplated to be reciprocal or complementary couplingfeatures. The body strap 30 includes first and second sides 30A, 30B,with the first and second coupling features 66, 68 disposed on the firstside thereof in FIG. 3. It is further contemplated that the entire firstside 30A may be comprised of a material suitable as the second couplingfeature 68. Thus, the entire first side 30A of the body strap 30 may becomprised of a fabric that includes a coupling feature, such as loopcoupling feature, that is reciprocal to the first coupling feature 66,as opposed to a select portion of the body strap 30 having the secondcoupling feature 68. As further shown in FIG. 3, the first and secondsupport straps 40, 42 are shown as crossing over one another andattaching to the body strap 30 adjacent to the respective first end 36and the elongate second end 38 of the body strap 30 at the first ends52, 54 of the first and second support straps 40, 42. It is alsocontemplated that the first and second support straps 40, 42 may beconfigured in such a way that they do not crossover one another. In suchan embodiment, the first ends 52, 54 of the first and second supportstraps 40, 42 would couple to the body strap 30 adjacent to the elongatesecond end 38 and the first end 36 of the body strap 30, respectively.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, the bra 10 may include a coupling mechanism70 for releasably coupling inner edges 72, 74 of the first and secondbreast cups 12, 14 to one another. While the coupling mechanism 70 isshown in the form of a zipper mechanism, it is contemplated that anyfastening system may be used to releasably couple the first and secondbreast cups 12, 14 at the inner edges 72, 74 thereof. In this way, thebra 10 provided with the present concept is a multi-way adjustableapparatus configured to provide maximum comfort, support andcustomization to the wearer. A bra having similar features as thepresent bra 10 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,932,104, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

With further reference to FIG. 1A, a garment 80 is shown which may bereferred to herein as a tank top accessory or garment accessory. Thegarment 80 is configured to be releasably coupled to the bra 10 at thefirst and second support straps 40, 42, as further described below. Thegarment 80 includes a front panel 82 and a rear panel 84 which areoperably coupled to one another to define a tubular body portion 85.Specifically, the front and rear panels 82, 84 are coupled to oneanother along first and second side portions 86, 88 of the tubular bodyportion 85 at seams 90, 92 (FIGS. 4 and 5), respectively. Together, thefront panel 82 and rear panel 84 of the garment 80 cooperate to definethe tubular body portion 85. The tubular body portion 85 includes anupper edge 96 having front and rear portions 96A, 96B (FIGS. 1A and 3respectively) disposed circumferentially around the tubular body portion85. The rear portion 96B of the upper edge 96 of the tubular bodyportion 85 is disposed along the rear panel 84 and downwardly drapesbetween the first and second side portions 86, 88 of the tubular bodyportion 85, as best shown in FIG. 3.

As further shown in FIG. 1A, the upper edge 96 of the tubular bodyportion 85 includes a hemline 98 disposed therearound. The tubular bodyportion 85 further includes a lower edge 99 have a hemline 99A disposedtherearound. The upper edge 96 of the tubular body portion 85 furtherincludes first and second fasteners 100, 102 that are spaced along theupper edge 96 of the tubular body portion 85 at laterally spaced-apartfirst and second attachment locations. With specific reference to thefirst fastener 100, the first fastener 100 includes an anchor portion104 operably coupled to the tubular body portion 85 proximate to theupper edge 96 of the tubular body portion 85. Specifically, the anchorportion 104 of the first fastener 100 includes a mounting aperture 106for receiving a portion of the tubular body portion 85 of the garment 80therethrough, as further described below. In this way, the firstfastener 100 is contemplated to be fixedly coupled to the upper edge 96of the tubular body portion 85. The first fastener 100 further includesa coupling portion 108 which extends upwardly from the anchor portion104 to define a receiving aperture 110 that is disposed above themounting aperture 106 of the anchor portion 104. The receiving aperture110 is upwardly accessible for coupling the garment 80 to the bra 10, asfurther described below. Turning now to the second fastener 102, thesecond fastener 102 includes an anchor portion 112 operably coupled tothe tubular body portion 85 proximate to the upper edge 96 of thetubular body portion 85 and is laterally spaced-apart from the firstfastener 100. In a manner similar to the first fastener 100, the anchorportion 112 of the second fastener 102 includes a mounting aperture 114for receiving a portion of the tubular body portion 85 of the garment 80therethrough. In this way, the second fastener 102 is also contemplatedto be fixedly coupled to the upper edge 96 of the tubular body portion85. The second fastener 102 further includes a coupling portion 116which extends upwardly from the anchor portion 112 to define a receivingaperture 118 of the coupling portion 116 that is disposed above themounting aperture 114 of the anchor portion 112. The receiving aperture118 of the second fastener 102 is also upwardly accessible for couplingthe garment 80 to the bra 10, as further described below.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, it is contemplated that the firstand second fasteners 100, 102 of the garment 80 may be constructed andconfigured in a similar manner as the first and second attachment clips20, 22 of the bra 10. With reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1C,first and second fasteners 100A, 102A are shown as an alternativeembodiment to first and second fasteners 100, 102 shown in FIG. 1A. Withspecific reference to first fastener 100A, which will also describesecond fastener 102A, an anchor portion 122 cooperates with a couplingportion 124 to define a ring member 120 having an upwardly accessiblereceiving aperture 126. The anchor portion 122 is operably coupled tothe tubular body portion 85 proximate to the upper edge 96 of thetubular body portion 85 by receiving a portion of the tubular bodyportion 85 of the garment 80 therethrough. In this way, the firstfastener 100A is contemplated to be fixedly coupled to the upper edge 96of the tubular body portion 85, with the receiving aperture 126 thereofbeing used to couple the first fastener 100A to the garment 80, and alsobeing upwardly accessible for receiving the first support strap 40 ofthe bra 10 to suspend the garment 80 from the bra 10. The secondfastener 102A also includes an upwardly accessible receiving aperture128 that is also upwardly accessible for coupling the garment 80 to thebra 10, as further described below. Thus, the first and second fasteners100A and 102A of FIG. 1C include a single loop configuration as comparedto the double loop configuration of first and second fasteners 100, 102of FIG. 1A.

As noted above, the garment 80 is configured to be operably coupled tothe bra 10 in a selective of releasable manner, such that the garment 80can be suspended or otherwise supported from the bra 10. With the bra 10being multi-way customizable and adjustable, the bra 10 serves as asuitable article for supporting the garment 80 given its secure positionon the wearer. Specifically, the bra 10 is supported over the shouldersof the wearer by the first and second support straps 40, 42, and alsoincludes the body strap 30 which cinches around the torso of the wearer.Both the first and second support straps 40, 42 and the body strap 30are adjustable components to provide a custom fit with maximum comfortand support.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first fastener 100 is shown ascoupled to the garment 80 at the upper edge 96 of the tubular bodyportion 85 of the garment 80. The first fastener 100, much like thesecond fastener 102, is contemplated to be fixedly coupled to thegarment 80 by a material tab 130 having first and second ends 132, 134and a body portion 136 disposed therebetween. The first end 132 of thematerial tab 130 is operably coupled to the tubular body portion 85proximate the front portion 96A of the upper edge 96 of the tubular bodyportion 85 of garment 80, as shown in FIG. 2A. The second end 134 of thematerial tab 130 is operably coupled to the tubular body portion 85proximate the front portion 96A of the upper edge 96 of the tubular bodyportion 85 of garment 80 on an opposite side of the garment 80, as shownin FIG. 2B. The second end 134 of the material tab 130 may also beoperably coupled to the body portion 136 of the material tab 130 itselfin assembly. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the body portion 136 of thematerial tab 130 is received through the mounting aperture 106 of thecoupling portion 108 of the first fastener 100. In this way, the firstfastener 100 is fixedly retained along the upper edge 96 of the garment80. A similar coupling arrangement is contemplated for the secondfastener 102 with respect to the garment 80.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, the free end 48 of the first support strap 40is shown as being received through the receiving aperture 110 of thecoupling portion 108 of the first fastener 100. As shown in FIG. 2C, thefree end 48 of the first support strap 40 is folding back against thebody portion 44 of the first support strap 40. In this way, the firstcoupling feature 56 and the second coupling feature 58 of the firstsupport strap 40 are brought into alignment for a coupling arrangementtherebetween when one contacts the other. In this way, the first supportstrap 40 can be received through the receiving aperture 24 of theattachment clips 20 of the bra 10, as shown in FIG. 1A, and can also bereceived through the receiving aperture 110 of the first fastener 100 tosupport the garment 80 from the first support strap 40. A similarconfiguration is contemplated for use in coupling the second supportstrap 42 to both the second attachment clip 22 of the bra 10, as well asthe second fastener 102 of the garment 80.

As disposed above the anchor portions 104, 112, the receiving apertures110, 118 of the first and second fasteners 100, 102 define upwardlyaccessible first and second receiving apertures 110, 118. The receivingapertures 110, 118 are defined as “upwardly accessible” receivingapertures, as they are disposed along the uppermost portion of thegarment 80, at the upper edge 96 thereof. Being upwardly accessible, thereceiving apertures 110, 118 of the first and second fasteners 100, 102provide laterally spaced-apart connecting locations to releasably couplethe garment 80 to the bra 10.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the bra 10 and the garment 80 are shown ascoupled to one another and illustrated from a rear view. The upper edge96 of the tubular body portion 85 of the garment 80 is shown asextending around the tubular body portion 85 of the garment 80 in acircumferential manner. Specifically, the rear portion 96B of the upperedge 96 of the tubular body portion 85 is disposed along the rear panel84 of the garment 80 and downwardly drapes between the opposed first andsecond sides 86, 88 of the tubular body portion 85. In this way, therear portion 96B of the upper edge 96 of the tubular body portion 85 isdisposed in a U-shaped configuration. As further shown in FIG. 3, theupper edge 96 of the tubular body portion 85 cooperates along the rearportion 96B thereof, and portions of the front portion 96A thereof, toprovide a generally U-shaped configuration for the upper edge 96 of thetubular body portion 85 of the garment 80 extending between thelaterally spaced-apart connecting locations of the first and secondfasteners 100, 102. Thus, the garment 80 is configured to couple to thebra 10 at the first and second support strap 40, 42 of the bra 10 at thefront panel 82 of the garment 80, and is configured to drape along theupper edge 96 thereof from the first fastener 100 of the front panel 82,to the rear panel 84, and back to the front panel 82 at second fastener102 in a generally U-shaped configuration. In this way, the garment 80provides for a covering for the bra 10 that substantially conceals thefront portion of the bra 10 while leaving the adjustable first andsecond support straps 40, 42 accessible for any adjustment. As furthershown in FIG. 3, a portion of the rear portion 34 of the body strap 30is positioned above the rear portion 96B of the upper edge 96 of thetubular body portion 85 of the garment 80. Thus, the presentconfiguration also leaves the rear portion 34 of the body strap 30accessible for adjustment by the wearer. As shown in FIG. 3, the rearpanel 84 of the garment 80 is free of any attachment clips, fasteners,straps or other like coupling mechanism along the rear portion 96B ofthe upper edge 96 of the tubular body portion 85, such that the rearportion 96B of the upper edge 96 of the tubular body portion 85 isuninterrupted in its U-shaped draping configuration.

As further shown in FIG. 3, the side portions 88, 86 of the tubular bodyportion 85 of the garment 80 are opposed side portions, where the frontportion 96A of the upper edge 96 meets with the rear portion 96B of theupper edge 96. The meeting of the front and rear portions 96A, 96B ofthe upper edge 96 of the tubular body portion 85 of the garment 80 arebest shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 at side portions 86, 88, respectively. Thus,the upper edge 96 is disposed in a U-shaped configuration between theopposed side portions 86, 88 of the tubular body portion 85 of thegarment 80.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the brassiere and garment system is shown forma front view with the garment 80 suspended from the bra 10 at the firstand second fasteners 100, 102 of garment 80 as releasably coupled to thefirst and second support straps 40, 42 of the bra 10. As shown in FIG.6, the front panel 82 of the garment 80 substantially conceals the firstand second breast cups 12, 14 of the bra 10 when viewed from a frontview.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a garment systemincluding a bra and garment configured to couple to the bra. The braincludes first and second breast cups that are laterally spaced-apartand include respective upper edges. First and second attachment clipsare disposed on the upper edges of the first and second breast cups,respectively, and each include a receiving aperture disposedtherethrough. A body strap is operably coupled to the first and secondbreast cups along a front portion of the body strap. The body strapfurther includes a rear portion configured to extend around a back of awearer. First and second support straps are respectively attached at oneend to the rear portion of the body strap, and each include a free endhaving a first coupling feature and a body portion having a secondcoupling feature that is a reciprocal coupling feature to the firstcoupling feature. The free ends of the first and second support strapsare received through the receiving apertures of the first and secondattachment clips, respectively, such that the free ends of the first andsecond support straps can be folded back against themselves. In thisway, the first and second coupling features of the first and secondsupport straps can be aligned and releasably couple to one another. Thegarment includes a tubular body portion having an upper edge extendingaround the tubular body portion. First and second fasteners arelaterally spaced-apart from one another and each include an anchorportion operably coupled proximate to the upper edge of the tubular bodyportion. The first and second fasteners each include a coupling portionextending upwardly from the anchor portion to define upwardly accessiblefirst and second receiving apertures, respectively. The first and secondsupport straps are received through the first and second receivingapertures, respectively, to releasably couple the garment to the bra.

According to another aspect, the first and second support straps eachinclude first and second sides.

According to another aspect, the first and second coupling features ofthe first support strap and the second support strap are disposed on thefirst sides of the first and second support straps, respectively.

According to another aspect, the second coupling feature of the firstsupport strap and the second coupling feature of the second supportstrap substantially cover the entire first sides of the first and secondsupport straps, respectively.

According to another aspect, the garment includes a front panel, andfurther wherein the first and second breast cups of the bra aresubstantially concealed by the front panel.

According to another aspect, the upper edge of the tubular body portionincludes a rear portion that drapes in a U-shaped configuration betweenopposed side portions of the tubular body portion.

According to another aspect, a portion of the rear portion of the bodystrap is positioned above the rear portion of the upper edge.

According to another aspect, the body strap is an adjustable body straphaving first and second coupling features disposed on a single sidethereof, wherein the first and second coupling features are configuredto releasably couple to one another.

According to another aspect, the first and second fasteners each includea single loop configuration.

According to yet another aspect, the first and second fasteners eachinclude a double loop configuration.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a garmentincludes a front panel and a rear panel operably coupled to one anotherand cooperating to define a tubular body portion with an upper edge. Theupper edge includes front and rear portions. The rear portion of theupper edge is disposed along the rear panel and downwardly drapesbetween the first and second sides of the tubular body portion. Afastener includes an anchor portion defining a mounting aperture and acoupling portion defining a receiving aperture disposed above themounting aperture. A material tab includes first and second ends and abody portion disposed therebetween. The first end of the material tab isoperably coupled to the tubular body portion proximate the front portionof the upper edge of the tubular body portion. The second end of thematerial tab is coupled to either the tubular body portion proximate thefront portion of the upper edge of the tubular body portion, or the bodyportion of the material tab itself. The body portion of the material tabis received through the mounting aperture of the fastener.

According to another aspect, the fastener defines a first fastener, andthe garment includes a second fastener laterally spaced-apart from thefirst fastener along the upper edge of the garment.

According to another aspect, the second fastener includes an anchorportion defining a mounting aperture and a coupling portion defining areceiving aperture that is disposed above the mounting aperture of thesecond fastener.

According to another aspect, the rear portion of the upper edge drapesin a U-shaped configuration.

According to yet another aspect, the U-shaped configuration of the rearportion of the upper edge is uninterrupted.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a garmentincludes a tubular body portion having front, rear and opposed sideportions and an upper edge extending circumferentially around thetubular body portion. The upper edge includes front and rear portions.First and second fasteners each include an anchor portion operablycoupled proximate to the front portion of the upper edge of the tubularbody portion at laterally spaced-apart first and second attachmentlocations, respectively. The first and second fasteners further includecoupling portions extending upwardly from the respective anchor portionsto define upwardly accessible receiving apertures disposed through therespective coupling portions. The rear portion of the upper edge of thetubular body portion is disposed in a U-shaped configuration between thelaterally spaced-apart first and second attachment locations of thefirst and second fasteners.

According to another aspect, the first and second fasteners each includea single loop configuration.

According to another aspect, the first and second fasteners each includea double loop configuration with mounting apertures disposed below theupwardly accessible receiving apertures.

According to another aspect, the tubular body portion is comprised offront and rear panels operably coupled to one another at side portionsthereof.

According to another aspect, the rear panel is free of fasteners.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A garment system, comprising: a bra, wherein thebra includes: first and second breast cups laterally spaced-apart andeach having upper edges; first and second attachment clips disposed onthe upper edges of the first and second breast cups, respectively,wherein the first and second attachment clips each include a receivingaperture disposed therethrough; a body strap operably coupled to thefirst and second breast cups along a front portion of the body strap,wherein the body strap further includes a rear portion configured toextend around a back of a wearer; and first and second support strapsrespectively attached at one end to the rear portion of the body strap,wherein the first and second support straps each include a free endhaving a first coupling feature and a body portion having a secondcoupling feature that is a reciprocal coupling feature to the firstcoupling feature, wherein the free ends of the first and second supportstraps are received through the receiving apertures of the first andsecond attachment clips, respectively, such that the free ends of thefirst and second support straps can be folded back against themselves,such that the first and second coupling features of the first and secondsupport straps are aligned and releasably coupled to one another; and agarment, wherein the garment includes: a tubular body portion having anupper edge extending around the tubular body portion; and first andsecond fasteners laterally spaced-apart and each having an anchorportion operably coupled proximate to the upper edge of the tubular bodyportion, and a coupling portion extending upwardly from the anchorportion to define upwardly accessible first and second receivingapertures, wherein the first and second support straps are receivedthrough the first and second receiving apertures, respectively, toreleasably couple the garment to the bra.
 2. The garment system of claim1, wherein the first and second support straps each include first andsecond sides.
 3. The garment system of claim 2, wherein the first andsecond coupling features of the first support strap and the secondsupport strap are disposed on the first sides of the first and secondsupport straps, respectively.
 4. The garment system of claim 1, whereinthe second coupling feature of the first support strap and the secondcoupling feature of the second support strap substantially cover thefirst sides of the first and second support straps, respectively.
 5. Thegarment system of claim 1, wherein the garment includes a front panel,and further wherein the first and second breast cups of the bra aresubstantially concealed by the front panel.
 6. The garment system ofclaim 1, wherein the upper edge of the tubular body portion includes arear portion that drapes in a U-shaped configuration between opposedside portions of the tubular body portion.
 7. The garment system ofclaim 6, wherein a portion of the rear portion of the body strap ispositioned above the rear portion of the upper edge.
 8. The garmentsystem of claim 7, wherein the body strap is an adjustable body straphaving first and second coupling features disposed on a single sidethereof, wherein the first and second coupling features are configuredto releasably couple to one another.
 9. The garment system of claim 1,wherein the first and second fasteners each include a single loopconfiguration.
 10. The garment system of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond fasteners each include a double loop configuration.
 11. Agarment, comprising: a front panel and a rear panel operably coupled toone another and cooperating to define a tubular body portion with anupper edge, wherein the upper edge includes front and rear portions, andfurther wherein the rear portion of the upper edge is disposed along therear panel and downwardly drapes between first and second sides of thetubular body portion; a fastener having an anchor portion defining amounting aperture and a coupling portion defining a receiving aperturedisposed above the mounting aperture; and a material tab having firstand second ends and a body portion disposed therebetween, wherein thefirst end of the material tab is operably coupled to the tubular bodyportion proximate the front portion of the upper edge of the tubularbody portion and the second end is coupled to one of the tubular bodyportion proximate the front portion of the upper edge of the tubularbody portion and the body portion of the material tab, and furtherwherein the body portion of the material tab is received through themounting aperture of the fastener.
 12. The garment of claim 11, whereinthe fastener defines a first fastener, and further wherein the garmentincludes a second fastener laterally spaced-apart from the firstfastener along the upper edge of the garment.
 13. The garment of claim12, wherein the second fastener includes an anchor portion defining amounting aperture and a coupling portion defining a receiving aperturethat is disposed above the mounting aperture of the second fastener. 14.The garment of claim 13, wherein the rear portion of the upper edgedrapes in a U-shaped configuration.
 15. The garment of claim 14, whereinthe U-shaped configuration of the rear portion of the upper edge isuninterrupted.
 16. A garment, comprising: a tubular body portion havingfront, rear and opposed side portions and an upper edge extendingcircumferentially around the tubular body portion, wherein the upperedge includes front and rear portions; and first and second fastenerseach having an anchor portion operably coupled proximate to the frontportion of the upper edge of the tubular body portion at laterallyspaced-apart first and second attachment locations, further wherein thefirst and second fasteners further include coupling portions extendingupwardly from the respective anchor portions to define upwardlyaccessible receiving apertures disposed through the respective couplingportions, and further wherein the rear portion of the upper edge of thetubular body portion is disposed in a U-shaped configuration between thelaterally spaced-apart first and second attachment locations of thefirst and second fasteners.
 17. The garment of claim 16, wherein thefirst and second fasteners each include a single loop configuration. 18.The garment of claim 16, wherein the first and second fasteners eachinclude a double loop configuration with mounting apertures disposedbelow the upwardly accessible receiving apertures.
 19. The garment ofclaim 16, wherein the tubular body portion is comprised of front andrear panels operably coupled to one another at side portions thereof.20. The garment of claim 19, wherein the rear panel is free offasteners.